The NAS also have a comprehensive autism services directory which provides a wealth of local information. You can use the directory to search by postcode or the type of service you are looking for. You will find help here on everything from education to residential services, outreach support to respite care.

Diagnostic Process for Children - The Social Communication Assessment Pathway (SCAP ) for Cardiff and the Vale

Social Communication Assessment Pathway has been set up to improve early recognition and diagnosis of children who have social communication difficulties.Social Communication is about how a child develops play skills, communication and interaction skills and understanding of social rules. There are several reasons your child could be assessed by this pathway. The main reason is because your child is having difficulty with Social Communication, Interaction or Play. For younger children this could mean they have a delay in their speech and language development or they might find it difficult to play with other children. For older children they may have difficulty making friends and interacting with other children the same age as them.

Adult Autism Advice

Adult Autism Advice is an information service designed for adults with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, who do not meet the criteria for traditional support services. You do not need a diagnosis to contact Adult Autism Advice.

The team is friendly and approachable, offering a single point of contact to direct individuals to the appropriate services located in their community.

"We regard all service users as individuals, and understand that being able to access the right information quickly can be challenging."

Adult Autism Advice is funded by the Welsh Government, and the service is now available in the Vale of Glamorgan. The service also became available in three other areas in 2012: Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr.

Other Local OrganisationsIn addition to the NAS, there are a number of other charities and support groups that offer general advice on a wide range of issues confronting people living with autism.

SNAP Cymru – Special Needs Advisory Project

SNAP Cymru works with families and professionals in schools, education, health and social care to help ensure that children and young people's needs are identified and assessed and that provision is made to help them reach their potential and be fully included.

Cerebra provides support & information to parents of children (up to and including the age 16) with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders - ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Epilepsy, Learning Difficulties, Dyspraxia, Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy etc.

They provide advice on welfare benefits, education, diagnosis, getting help from social services and general information on neurological and neurodevelopmental disordersWebsite:http://www.cerebra.org.uk